Three days. One smooth route through Bali. You’ll see major Ubud-area icons and then swing into East Bali’s temples and coastal scenery, including Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary and Virgin Beach.

I love the way the day is handled with a private, air-conditioned car and an English-speaking driver who can give real-world suggestions along the way (and drives safely). I also like that the plan mixes culture and viewpoints, so you’re not choosing between temples and scenery—Pura Lempuyang and Tirta Gangga are both on the clock.

The trade-off is pace. Starting at 8:00 am with many stops across three days means longer travel stretches, plus extra time you’ll spend on tickets and photo spots like Tegalalang Rice Terrace and Monkey Forest.

Key highlights I’d plan around

• Private transportation with an air-conditioned vehicle keeps the long drives bearable
• English-speaking driver who offers helpful on-the-ground suggestions
• Best-of East Bali temple run featuring Lempuyang and the water palaces
• Ubud classics in one day: Monkey Forest, Tegalalang, and Tegenungan Waterfall
• Iconic photo stops like Handara Gate and Wanagiri Hidden Hills
• Ocean finale at Virgin Beach, with a quick downhill ride to the sand

How this Ubud-to-East Bali route really feels in 3 days

This is a private tour based out of Ubud, designed to hit a lot of Bali highlights without you doing the navigation work. The vehicle is air-conditioned, and you get hotel pickup and return transfers, which matters on a 3-day schedule where you’d otherwise burn time just figuring out logistics.

Expect a full itinerary day-to-day. Each stop is given a realistic chunk of time (often around an hour), but there are several major sights stacked per day—so you’ll want to travel light, wear comfy shoes, and keep your phone charged for the views.

There’s also a ticket reality check. The tour includes admissions for attractions under a certain ticket category, but there are separate entry fees listed for a few key stops, so budget a bit extra in cash for the places that aren’t bundled for you.

Day 1: Ubud culture and waterfall energy, from Barong to Tegenungan

Day 1 is basically your “Ubud hits plus a taste of Balinese performance” launchpad. The schedule starts with a cultural show, then moves into a mix of animal encounters, rice terraces, and a waterfall—so you’ll get a little bit of everything early.

Sahadewa Barong Dance & Fire Dance: performance first, then the road

You’ll start with Sahadewa Barong Dance & Fire Dance, a 1-hour performance where you can watch Balinese choreography and chanting. The vibe here is less about browsing and more about absorbing the energy of the performance while you’re fresh and still close to Ubud.

One practical note: this stop lists admission as not included, so check your ticket setup in advance. If you’re even mildly interested in cultural shows, this is a strong opener because it sets a theme for the rest of the day.

Teba Sari Bali Agrotourism: learn how luwak coffee is made

Next up is Teba Sari Bali Agrotourism (about 30 minutes). You’ll walk through the plantation experience with a guide and learn about how Luwak coffee is made traditionally, plus you’ll get a sense of how these agricultural sites operate.

This is a short stop by design, so don’t expect a full deep dive. But it’s a good way to add context to Bali beyond temples—especially if you’re curious how everyday products connect to the island’s work life. You’ll likely want to come with an open mind and a willingness to ask questions.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: beautiful carvings, real monkeys, and a plan

Then you’ll hit Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary for about an hour. This is one of Bali’s signature Ubud stops, with carved artwork, sculptures, a temple area, and monkeys moving through the grounds.

The “consideration” here is simple: you’ll be sharing the walkway with animals. Keep your bag secured, don’t feed anything unless you’re told it’s allowed, and expect the area to feel active. It’s still worth it—the carvings and temple setting are the kind of detail you’d miss if you just rushed past for a photo.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace: yes, it’s popular. It’s also stunning.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace takes about an hour. It’s touristy and photo-heavy, but that doesn’t erase what’s good about it: you’re looking at real-working-style terraces with dramatic viewpoints that photographers have loved for years.

If you want the best experience, arrive with patience and use the time to slow down. Look for angles where you can see multiple layers of terraces, not just one flat shot. Also, wear shoes with grip because the ground can be uneven depending on where you walk for your view.

Tegenungan Waterfall: a short hike to a big payoff

After rice terraces, you’ll go to Tegenungan Waterfall (about 1 hour). The waterfall drops roughly 20 meters, and the setting includes cliffs and a pool below where you can feel the mist.

This is one of those stops where the photos match reality, but comfort matters. Bring something to dry off with, and be careful on wet surfaces. If you’re traveling with someone who prefers a calmer pace, you can still enjoy the view from safer areas without pushing too far.

Puseh Batuan Temple: a quieter local temple stop

Day 1 ends with Puseh Batuan Temple (around 30 minutes). It’s a local Balinese Hindu temple in the Batuan countryside, decorated with Balinese ornaments.

This is a good “breather” after the busiest sights of the day. It’s not designed to be the most famous thing on your itinerary—more like a chance to see temple details in a slower, more grounded setting.

Day 2: Bedugul lake views, iconic gates, and the Tanah Lot sunset vibe

Day 2 shifts into central-north and then down toward the coast. It’s a temple-and-view day, with stops that work well even if you’re not chasing every single Instagram angle.

Taman Ayun Temple: garden-temple atmosphere

Taman Ayun Temple is about an hour, set in a park-like garden area with trees and ponds. The name basically fits: it’s visually calm, and you’ll feel like you’re strolling through a cared-for space rather than standing in a rush-line.

This stop is good if you like architecture and layout. You can take your time here, because the setting encourages it.

Lake Beratan (Bedugul): mountain lake scenery

Next comes Lake Beratan in Bedugul, also around an hour. This is Bali’s cooler-weather lake territory, and the main draw is the scenery and temple views tied to the area.

If you’re sensitive to weather swings, keep a light layer handy. Mountain regions can change quickly, and you don’t want to be uncomfortable halfway through photos.

Handara Iconic Gate: the gate, the grounds, and your camera’s workout

Then you’ll go to Handara Iconic Gate inside the Handara Golf & Resort area (about 1 hour). The big appeal is the famous gate viewpoint and the grounds around it, which are built for photos.

This can be fun, but it can also become a “shoot-and-go” stop if you rush. Slow down a bit. Try a different angle from where you first stop, and give yourself a minute to enjoy the view beyond the gate itself.

Wanagiri Hidden Hills: more “selfie stop” energy, but still scenic

Wanagiri Hidden Hills takes about an hour and leans hard into viewpoint culture. The focus is on Instagram-able scenery and new photo spots, which makes it popular for couples, friends, and solo travelers who like dramatic backgrounds.

The value here is less about history and more about perspective. You’re trading “temple detail time” for “wide view time,” which keeps your 3-day itinerary from feeling repetitive.

Tanah Lot Temple: coastal landmark setting

Finally, you’ll visit Tanah Lot Temple (about 1 hour). This one is known for its offshore setting and classic sunset backdrops, with an ancient Hindu shrine perched on an outcrop.

Even if you’re not chasing the exact sunset moment, the temple setting is the point. Plan to take your time getting a few solid shots from good angles, and leave a little buffer so you’re not sprinting at the end of the day.

Day 3: Lempuyang’s temple steps, Tirta Gangga water palace calm, then Virgin Beach

Day 3 is the East Bali sweep, and it’s built around places that feel different from the Ubud center. You’ll move from holy sites into water palace scenery and finish with ocean sand.

Lempuyang Temple: Sad Kahyangan views in the east

First is Lempuyang Temple (about 1 hour). This is Pura Lempuyang Luhur Karangasem, listed as a Sad Kahyangan Temple with an eastern position in Bali.

What makes this stop work in a short itinerary is that the temple is both spiritual and scenic. The climb and structured grounds mean you’ll spend time moving through the experience rather than just standing in one spot.

Budget your energy for this morning. Wear shoes you trust, bring water, and don’t rush. The separate listed entry fee for this stop is $8 per person, so plan for that upfront.

Tirta Gangga: water palace gardens and photo-friendly angles

Next is Tirta Gangga (about 1 hour). This water palace is known for beautiful scenery and the contrast of gardens with water features.

This is a great pairing with Lempuyang because it changes the mood. If Lempuyang is about elevation and temple atmosphere, Tirta Gangga is about calmer visuals and water-focused architecture. Take time here, because it’s one of the stops where lingering doesn’t feel wasted.

Ujung Water Palace: Dutch-era-era structure with water themes

Then you’ll see Ujung Water Palace (also around 1 hour). It’s described as a tourist destination in East Bali built since the Dutch era, and it’s called a Water Palace because water plays a big role in the design.

This is a good “architecture plus scenery” stop. You’ll get a sense of how Balinese water and garden concepts were adapted into palace spaces over time, based on what’s visible in the site itself.

Virgin Beach (Perasi Beach): a coastal finale off the main loop

You’ll end at Virgin Beach (also known as Perasi Beach) for about 30 minutes. It’s described as hidden in Karangasem, with white sand and a downhill drive to reach the viewpoint and then the beach area.

This last stop works well as a wrap. It’s not long, but you get the reward: ocean air and a different kind of Bali scenery than the inland temples and rice terraces.

Because it’s a quick finale, make sure you’re ready to walk and move even if you’re tired. Your timing won’t be about hours of wandering, it’ll be about enjoying the view while you’re there.

Price and tickets: what $105 covers, and what you may pay separately

The tour price is $105 per person, for an experience in Ubud that runs about 3 days. It’s private, includes hotel pickup and return transfers, and uses a private air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver and bottled water.

Here’s the value lens that matters: you’re paying for transportation + planning time. Bali traffic can be brutal, and crossing between Ubud and East Bali takes real time. If you’re trying to do all of this solo, the cost quickly turns into fuel, parking, confusion, and time loss.

Now the part to watch: admission is listed as included for attractions on a specific ticket tier, but separate entry fees are listed for key stops:

• Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: $8 per person
• Tegalalang Rice Terrace: $2 per person
• Lempuyang Temple: $8 per person
• Tirta Empul Temple: $6 per person (this fee is listed even though it’s not spelled out in the day-by-day stops you’re given)

So I’d budget extra for the listed fees that match the stops you want most. If you’re traveling with people who hate surprise expenses, ask the provider up front how the included ticket tier is applied to each stop.

Also, the tour notes group discounts. If you can book with friends or family and reduce per-person costs, this becomes even better value.

Transportation comfort, pacing, and the driver factor

A private tour lives or dies by the driver and the vehicle schedule. This one gets strong signals here: the tour is rated 4.9 with 12 reviews, with 100% recommended, and at least one review highlights an excellent driver named Gusti, who offered lots of suggestions and drove safely.

That “suggestions” piece matters more than people think. In Bali, small timing decisions—when to arrive, where to stand, what to watch for—can change your whole day without changing the itinerary on paper.

Pacing is your main “consideration.” You’re not doing five separate full-day excursions; you’re stacking major sites. If you get overwhelmed by crowds or constant moving, this itinerary might feel busy. But if you like seeing a lot while still getting a private car, it’s a solid way to avoid wasted time.

Who this 3-day tour is best for

This tour fits best if you:

• Want a private Ubud-based itinerary without driving yourself
• Like a mix of temples, cultural performance, and scenic viewpoints
• Prefer an efficient route that still includes time at each stop (most are 30–60 minutes)
• Appreciate a driver who gives real suggestions, not just directions

It might be less ideal if you:

• Want a slow “one village per day” style trip
• Get cranky with early mornings and lots of photo stops
• Don’t like sharing space with animals at places like Monkey Forest

Should you book this Bali in 3 Days private tour?

If your goal is a high-value 3-day sampler that covers Ubud icons and East Bali highlights—Lempuyang, Tirta Gangga, and the coastal finish—this booking makes sense. The included transport, pickup/return transfers, and English-speaking driver take away a huge slice of stress, and the overall rating is strong.

I’d book if you’re comfortable paying a bit extra for a few separate entry fees and you don’t mind a packed schedule. If you want total freedom day-by-day with minimal driving, you might prefer a more flexible private charter. But for people who want to see a lot without chaos, this is one of the more practical ways to do it.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:00 am.

How long is the experience?

It runs for about 3 days (approximately).

Does the tour include hotel pickup and return transfers?

Yes, hotel pick up and return transfers are included.

Is transportation private and air-conditioned?

Yes. You’ll travel in a private car with air-conditioned vehicle.

Is an English-speaking driver included?

Yes, an English-speaking driver is included.

Are attraction tickets included?

Admission tickets are listed as included for attractions under a ticket category (Price A Only). Some entry fees are listed separately.

Which admission fees are listed as not included?

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is $8 per person, Tegalalang Rice Terrace is $2 per person, and Lempuyang Temple is $8 per person. Tirta Empul Temple is listed at $6 per person.

Is this tour only for my group?

Yes. It’s private, so only your group participates.

Is there free cancellation?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is there a group discount?

Group discounts are listed as a feature of the tour.